Height30-50cm

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A native British deciduous shrub valued for its masses of bright yellow pea-like flowers in spring (typically April–June), green stems that provide year-round interest, and wildlife benefits. It attracts bees and other pollinators, fixes nitrogen to enrich poor soils, is highly drought- and wind-tolerant once established, and suits low-maintenance, coastal, gravel, wildlife, or informal gardens. It also helps stabilise slopes.

Key planting points

• Position: Full sun; tolerates exposed/windy or coastal sites (provide slight shelter from cold drying winds if possible).
• Soil: Well-drained, preferably poor, sandy or loamy; acid to neutral pH. Thrives in infertile soils but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk/alkaline soils. Avoid waterlogging.
• When to plant: Spring or autumn (when soil is warm/moist). Plant young specimens, as mature plants resent transplanting.
• How to plant: Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball. Plant at the same depth as in the pot. Backfill with existing soil (minimal enrichment needed—avoid rich fertilisers). Water thoroughly once, then mulch lightly if desired. Space plants roughly 1–1.5 m apart.
• Size: Typically reaches 1–1.5 m high and wide (sometimes taller in ideal conditions); matures in 2–5 years.
• Aftercare: Water regularly in the first year until established; thereafter highly drought-tolerant and needs little or no extra water or feeding in normal UK rainfall. Prune lightly after flowering (remove flowered stems only—do not cut into old wood, as it will not resprout). Hardy.
• Notes: Harmful if eaten (humans and pets).